Helping an Senior Loved One Adjust to Being Admitted to the Hospital

When your loved one is going to be admitted into the hospital, there are steps you can take to help reduce their stress and anxiety. When the doctor informs them of their needed hospital admittance, you can do much to help them cope.

1. If there is a chance they will not make it through the operation, then talk to them about important decisions. Let them voice their fears. Let them talk about what is bothering them. Reassure them with what information is available. If they are religious, pray with them frequently. Let them know you will have their church praying for them as well.

2. The week before their admission, if it is not an emergency, help them to pay any bills that will come due while they are in the hospital. Call the newspaper, housekeeper, and gardener to give them needed instructions. If they have pets, get instructions for their care and feeding. Know what they want done if there is an emergency with the pet. Take care of any details you can, so they will be as worry free as possible in the hospital.

3. Bring your loved one's medical information with you to the hospital for the admission staff. They will need to know all medications your loved one is taking and dosages; any herbs or vitamins they are taking; any allergies to foods or drugs; and any other problems that might affect their stay.

4. You should also have paperwork filed before the hospital stay including a will, and power of attorney for both financial and health issues. You should have paperwork stating what life saving measures they agree to before they are needed. In the case of my dad, he did not want to be resuscitated if he experienced a heart attack during the operation. You need to know their last wishes, should something happen unexpectedly. This is a hard talk to have with your loved ones but extremely important. Their last wishes should be written down and notarized. If they refuse to talk about these matters, then there is not much you can do.

5. Make sure you know the physician instructions for admission. They may require the patient to drink fluids, not drink fluids, or not to take food the night before admission or that morning. They may or may not be able to have water or coffee that morning. Find out what medications they can take right up to the morning of admission and what medications, vitamins, or OTC drugs must be discontinued several days before. Some medication and herbs are discontinued because of their properties that thin the blood. They may need to take a laxative before the procedure. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

6. Have the patient leave their rings and jewelry with you. It is just a good practice to do that. I went into the hospital for a procedure. I was in a lot of pain when I went home. It was several days later that I remembered my ring. They could not find it at that point and I was really upset.

Do not take in personal items the morning of admission. They will just have you take them home again. If your loved one's stay is going to be for a few days, wait until they are in their permanent room to bring over any personal belongings. Then just bring over what is really necessary. If they use nose spray or eye drops, consult with the nursing staff for approval. If they are a heavy coffee drinker, let the staff know that information.

7. After they are admitted, stay and keep them company until the operation time. If you can, be there when they come out of recovery. It is not necessary that you talk; your presence there is calming. You might hold their hand or just sit next to the bed quietly. If they feel like talking, they will. Let them lead. Your being there in the room will show them your love. Keep the visitors down for the first couple of days at least. Get the nurses approval for your activities.

8. While they are in the hospital, let them know all is well at home. Soothe their fears if they have left behind a pet. You want them as calm as possible. If they receive bills in the mail that need attention, bring them to the hospital, and help them take care of them. If they will be in the hospital for a long time, bring them some pictures of the family and their pet to soothe them. They might want their bible or favorite book. Realize it is very stressful for them to be away from all those things that are familiar and loved. Be patient, kind, and loving. Try to provide them with answers as needed. Don't forget to rest yourself. Try and engage other family members or friends to give you breaks. Take each day, one step at a time, until they can come home.

References:

www.care.com/senior-care-caregiver-guide-senior-health-issues-p1142.html

www.emedicinehealth.com/hospital_admissions/page9_em.htm#Discharge

www.emedicinehealth.com/hospital_admissions/article_em.htm